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Joe Graham

Image by Nick Andréka

JOSEPH ALLAN GRAHAM

June 29, 1940 - December 30, 2022

It is with great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph Allan Graham at the Grace Hospital on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the age of 82 years.

 

He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife and best friend Carolyn, his son Jim (Aleta) and stepchildren Doug Reid (Jane), Jennifer Fast (Arthur), and Jamie Reid. Joe will be sorely missed by his grandchildren Beth, Joseph, Nikolas (Olivia), Dan (Kaylee), Matt (Tara), Genelle (Krispen), Tegan, Brendan, Chris (Heather), Katie (Gerry), Brian (Emily), Ian (Tori), Andrew (Julia), Brianne (Brett), Devin and Jasmine, thirteen great grandchildren, his sister Susan Graham, and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents James and Kathleen Graham, his first wife Jane, his son Bobby, his daughter Linda and his sister Pippy Michener.

 

Joe was born to Jim and Kathleen Graham on June 29, 1940. He attended St. John Ravenscourt School and TCS in Port Hope, Ontario.

 

On graduation from TCS, he returned to Winnipeg and joined his father in business at Atlas Brush. Joe remained a presence at Atlas Graham Industries until his declining health prevented him from attending at the office. He made many innovative changes to the business and was always available to each of his employees. He took great pride in knowing each employee by name and would wish every employee a happy birthday every year.

 

Joe married Jane in 1963 and together they welcomed their 3 beautiful children Jim, Bobby and Linda. Throughout the course of their marriage Jane struggled with significant health issues that eventually claimed her life. Joe found love again with Carolyn, who became the centre of his universe and his reason for being, and together they shared life’s joys and sorrows for nearly 42 years.

 

Joe’s home was in Winnipeg, but his heart lived at the family camp in Lake of the Woods. His childhood weekends and summers were spent adventuring through Lake of the Woods with his siblings and cousins and his friends, most of whom Joe maintained for a lifetime. As Joe grew-up, his affection for the cabin grew with him. Joe was a past Commodore of RLWYC and remained a lifelong member. Joe and Carolyn also maintained a prolific social calendar, both throwing and attending a number of fine dinner parties across the lake. He remained close with his sisters and it was an almost daily ritual for Sue to come down the path for “pu pu’s” and cocktails while watching their favourite soap opera.

 

Joe was the epitome of a gentleman. Life was often not easy dealing with much illness and loss in his immediate family however he always saw the best in life and in the people around him. He will be remembered by Jim for his strength in the face of adversity and for being the calm, steady presence through many of life’s pitfalls including Jane and Linda’s illnesses. He was generous in spirit, had a warm and welcoming heart and made friends wherever he went. Quite simply, he was the family patriarch and we will miss him.

 

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations would be gratefully received by the Linda Joanne Graham Transplant Awareness Trust at the Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 - 1 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3.

 

Joe’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

 

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway Avenue.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Linda Radcliffe

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

We loved watching Joe & Carolyn driving their Grew inboard around the Lake of the Woods on their dozens of sunset cruises! A fabulous memory. Joe was always dear to me as I am his best friend Larry’s youngest sibling. I have very fond memories of him. Condolences to Carolyn and all the Graham family. 

Larry Leach

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Joe was my best friend growing up and I was his best-man when he married Jane in the early 1960's and he was my best-man when Judy and I got married in 1964. I visited him this past October on 2 separate days. He was struggling at that point. While we live far apart, I have so many great memories of our relationship and I will never forget them (or him). Special thoughts to Carolyn - a wonderful lady who made his life great.❤

Lois Stiff- Ongenae

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences to all the Graham Family I have the  best memories to cherish in my heart a truly genuine Family Love Lois ( Stiff) Ongenae ( Former Family Babysitter)❤

Louise Taillon

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Deepest condolences to all of the Atlas Graham family.  He will be missed by all who knew him

Mary Morican

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Sincere condolences to you all.I love the Graham history...so in tune with such a very decent man. A life well lived!

Mel Patterson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I was pleased to meet Joe through Norm Duncan when many years ago we all took our young families on a fun ski trip to Jasper Alberta..  Joe was always a gentleman and enjoyed socializing and dining with his dear wife Carolyn and their many friends and business associates in Winnipeg as well as with many more at his favourite family summer abode at Lake of the Woods. Joe suffered three heart-breaking losses in his life, his first wife Jane in the prime of her life, his dear daughter Linda much too soon, and more recently his son Bobby.  I had a business relationship with Joe when I worked with him at Atlas Graham Industries for ten years from 1995 to 2005. He was a very caring employer and took an interest in the lives of all the people who worked for him.  Our sincere condolences to his family - his dear sister Susan, his son Jim, his grandchildren and of course his devoted wife Carolyn.   Rest In Peace Joe, you were loved and will be missed by all.   Mel and Diane Patterson and family

Alex & Valerie Dewar

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

So sorry to hear of the passing of Joe, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. As a former long time employee of the Graham's you never felt like an employee but more of a friend. Joe always had time for you and took interest in you and your family. Always loved driving my van loaded with donations for the yacht club fund raisers, after unloading Joe would take us back to the cottage and we would spend the day with Carolyn and Joe. The Dewar's will always have a place in our hearts for you Joe as we owe you a lot, our sincere condolences to the Graham's as we to just lost our brother Butch so we know how Jim and the family are feeling right now. Rest in peace Joe

Cindy James

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

The Grahams always treated me like family, as an employee of Atlas Graham for 40 years.  Joe was the kindest man, truly caring.  My most sincere condolences to the family, Cindy James 

Greg Campbell

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

As a former employee of Atlas Graham Ind. for nearly 40 yrs. had a lot of respect for Joe. My condolences to the Graham family. May he Rest In Peace. Greg Campbell

Heather stiff matheson

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I remember how fun it was to watch Mr. Graham water ski barefoot. Condolences to the Graham family and friends

Sheryl Bestvater

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Joe and  Carolyn have been such a huge impact on our family. We have a cottage on LOTW  across from Joe and Carolyn. We had helped  Joanne Hill with the Wooden Boat Parade for a number of years  when Joanne told Joe that we had never had a ride on a wooden boat.  Those two wonderful people showed up on our dock one evening and said " we're  taking you and your children for a ride on our wooden boat!"We were blown away by the generous offer. They took us on a ride that none of us will ever forget. When Joe suggested we stop for ice cream for the kids we were so embarrassed that we had no cash on us Joe promptly said " I said this is my treat" That was Joe!  Such an incrediblely generous and authentic person. Carolyn told us they would sit on their deck and watch our progress as we built our cottage and take pleasure in knowing that another family was setting roots on the lake.  Many evenings we have watched Joe and Carolyn leave for their sunset cruise in their wooden boat and have them hook as they go by.  We will truly miss Joe's presence on the lake.  Our deepest condolences to Carolyn and the rest of the Graham family. Please know that your father made a huge impact on the lives of many people. We are blessed to be one family that were impacted by Joe and Carolyn. 

Joyce and Leverne Fyke

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

One of the finest people I ever met. Joe and Carolyn were part of my support group at the Yacht Club Auction for many years. Those were alot of fun weekends as well as trips down the lake. To carolyn Sister Sue and all the family may we extend our love to you all. Joyce and Leverne Fyke and family.

Kevin and Kathy McCaw

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Kevin and I have so many fond memories of Joe. The kindest gentleman you could ever meet. We shared many meals with Joe and Carolyn and trips to Hawaii. Kevin has had over 25 years at Atlas Graham and enjoyed sharing many of those years with Joe. Joe knew every employee and made a point of speaking with them daily. There was not a kinder man to work for. Rest in Peace Joe our deepest sympathies to Carolyn, Jimmy, Aleta and all your extended family.  Kevin and Kathy McCaw❤

Sandi Koch

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Your Dad and Mom always treated my sister’s Heather and Lois like family and for that I was grateful. .  

Yasemin Baz

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Our team would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Graham family during this difficult time. 

Karla stephens tolstoy

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

  My Godfather Joe passed away and it made me truly sad.  While I may not have known all his life’s challenges, I do know that he presented a jovial front and seemed to truly enjoy his life despite the many monumental tragedies he faced. I cannot phantom what it must have been like to lose a spouse and then his two adult children, Linda and Bobby.    I saw him at his happiest when he and Carolyn took out his ‘wooden yacht’ to cruise around the lake and dock at the yacht club. He loved meals at the club as long as it was meat and potatoes but wanted nothing to do vegetables or salads of any kind. He was equally excited when each year at the annual auction, his boat brushes sold out and were a highlight in closing those auctions.    Carolyn and he loved Hawaii and travelled often. He once told me that Hawaii was almost as nice as Lake of the Woods; which says a lot about Hawaii, as his happy place was at the lake being with his sons and grandchildren. Jim, his eldest hassuffered the loss of his mother, sister, brother and now his father, and yet continues to lead the family legacy with love and integrity. My love goes out to Jim,  whose heart has been broken too many times for any one person to face in a lifetime.    I saw how Joe cared for Carolyn when her mental state deteriorated. He truly enjoyed her moments of lucidity and had this look on his face like everything was alright despite this hardship. Joe’s life could not have been an easy one, but he lived it with dignity, humour and with a grace that belied his ever-present grief. My he rest in eternal peace and be remembered by his family and friends as the beautiful man who made, cruising in his boat a special memory for us all.   Xo

Margo Leach Vergotis

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Jimmy, I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. He was such a kind and likeable man who wore his heart on his sleeve - There were not many from his generation holding hands with his loved one well into their greying years! My memories of him are wrapped up with my memories of bombing around with Linda at the Lake and hanging around on Kingsway. They are both missed. Take care of yourself - you have had to go through much more than anyone your age should. -Magoo

Jim Graham

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Donations in Joseph's memory may be made here: https://bit.ly/LJGTransplantAwarenessTrust ❤

Sheldon Bowles

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Penny and I now live in rural Manitoba and the news Joe has died has reached us.  We are deeply saddened to learn of his death. Our Graham connections are long and deep.  Penny grew up across the street from Joe's grandfather "R.A." and the two of us would go over and visit him when I first started to date Penny, except times, when arriving at the door, we'd learn: "Grandpa is on the air," which meant he was listening to the radio  --- a huge set that sat in its cabinet on the floor beside his chair.  I grew up across the street from Joe's uncle Frank and his family and memories of Joe's wonderful eulogy at Frank's funeral still bring a smile to my face.  Joe was part of an older group in the neighbourhood, but we were close enough in age to know he was one of the good guys.  Later, when we bought a cottage one island over from his we got to know him far better.  We also shared a love of Maui and sometimes would see him and his oh so loved Carolyn at Kaanapali.  At the lake, Joe and his wooden boat, a classic Lyman, which he lovingly tended with Bob Herd, were an icon of summer.  Kind, caring, wise, fun, a true gentleman, are all good descriptions of Joe but above all I will remember him as solid.  Joe was grounded, strong,  a rock that held no matter what came his way.   We send Carolyn, Jim, and all of Joe's  family our condolences.  Our lives are far richer for having known him and we are honoured to call him friend. 

Jim Graham

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

https://bit.ly/LJGTransplantAwarenessTrust

Sarah Michener

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Sue, Joe and Pippy in younger years. 

Sarah Michener

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Some family photos of Uncle Joe. 

Sarah Michener

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Last picture of Joe with his sisters. 
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